The increasing number of new COVID-19 cases has prompted the government to place the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 3.
LTO apprehends PUV drivers violating health protocols
Despite the more stringent alert level, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) maintained the current 70 percent passenger capacity on Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) to cater to vaccinated individuals that are in need to take public transport. The decision to keep the current passenger capacity on PUVs is approved provided that COVID-19 health protocols are strictly enforced at all times.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported that it has already apprehended 32 PUV drivers and operators that failed to implement the health protocols issued by the DOTr. LTO NCR Director Clarence Guinto said that the drivers and operators have been issued a show cause order due to violating the COVID-19 health protocols. The agency added that it is calling for everyone’s cooperation during these trying times.
The DOTr said that “non-observance of health protocols onboard PUVs or a violation of the 70% maximum passenger capacity order are considered violations of franchise conditions.” The penalties for violating PUV franchise conditions could range from hefty fines to the impounding of the vehicle.
Wear a face mask
PUV operators, drivers, and passengers are ordered to religiously follow health protocols such as the following:
1. Wear face masks
2. No talking and making phone calls
3. No eating
4. Keep public utility vehicles well ventilated
5. Conduct frequent disinfection
6. No passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are to be allowed inside the public transportation
7. Observe appropriate physical distancing rule
“With the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in NCR, the DOTr enjoins our land-based transport operators to remind passengers to strictly observe minimum health protocols and ensure that the maximum allowable passenger capacity is followed,” DOTr Secretary Art Tugade said.
The DOTr is also reminding that unvaccinated individuals are temporarily prohibited from taking public transport. The agency said in a statement that it agrees with the Metro Maila Council’s decision to “temporarily prohibit unvaccinated individuals from traveling domestically via land, sea, and air public transport.”
Unvaccinated individuals have limited movement during Alert Level 3
Moreover, unvaccinated individuals will have limited movement under Alert Level 3. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos said in a press conference that unvaccinated individuals shall remain inside their homes at all times, and limit their outside movement to essential trips only as NCR shifts to Alert Level 3.
Metro Manila mayors have also signed Resolution No. 22-01 that regulates and limits the movement of unvaccinated individuals during Alert Level 3.
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